Iphone 8 Vs Galaxy S8 Was Switching Worth It 3

Three years ago, I made a decision that shifted my entire mobile experience—switching from an iPhone 8 to the Samsung Galaxy S8. At the time, both devices represented the pinnacle of their respective ecosystems. The iPhone 8 offered iOS simplicity and Apple’s tightly integrated hardware-software synergy. The Galaxy S8 brought cutting-edge design, a vibrant display, and Android flexibility. Now, after three full years of daily use, app migration, ecosystem adaptation, and real-world testing, I can confidently say: yes, the switch was worth it—but not for the reasons I initially expected.

Design and Build: A Shift in Philosophy

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 8 and Galaxy S8 is design language. Apple stuck with glass and aluminum, maintaining a familiar rectangular shape with physical Home button and thick top/bottom bezels. Samsung, on the other hand, introduced the “Infinity Display”—a curved, edge-to-edge 5.8-inch AMOLED screen that dominated the front and created a futuristic aesthetic.

Holding the S8 felt like stepping into the future. Its slim profile, lightweight build, and symmetrical curves made it more comfortable for one-handed use despite the larger screen. The iPhone 8, while solid and premium, began to feel dated within weeks of using the S8. However, durability told a different story. The iPhone’s flat edges and sturdier construction made it less prone to accidental drops. The S8’s curved glass, while beautiful, was more vulnerable—especially at the corners.

Tip: If you prioritize aesthetics and screen immersion, the S8 wins. For drop resistance and ruggedness, the iPhone 8 has the edge.

Performance and Longevity: Real-World Speed Over Time

Under the hood, both phones launched with flagship specs. The iPhone 8 used Apple’s A11 Bionic chip; the S8 ran on either the Exynos 9810 (international) or Snapdragon 835 (U.S.). On paper, they were evenly matched. In practice, iOS maintained snappier responsiveness over time, but Android 8 on the S8 adapted well thanks to Samsung’s optimization.

After two years, the iPhone 8 still handled basic tasks smoothly, but app loading times increased noticeably, especially with newer versions of Instagram and Facebook. The S8, while showing some lag in multitasking, held up better in media consumption and gaming due to its superior display and audio output. By year three, both devices required selective app updates and routine cache clearing, but the S8 remained more versatile thanks to expandable storage via microSD.

“Flagship Android phones from 2017 were built to last, but software support often lags behind Apple’s five-year update model.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera Comparison: Different Strengths, Same Goal

Photography was a major factor in my switch. The iPhone 8 features a 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization and Portrait Mode. The Galaxy S8 also has a 12MP sensor but adds dual-pixel autofocus and wider dynamic range in low light.

In daylight, both produce excellent results. The iPhone favors natural color reproduction and consistent exposure. The S8 leans toward slightly oversaturated colors—a signature Samsung trait—which makes social media photos pop but can appear less authentic.

Low-light performance gave the S8 a clear advantage. Its adaptive aperture (f/1.7–f/2.4) allowed more light intake in dim environments. Night shots on the S8 retained more detail and less noise than the iPhone 8, which tended to over-process and blur textures.

Feature	iPhone 8	Galaxy S8
Rear Camera	12MP, f/1.8, OIS	12MP, f/1.7, Dual Pixel AF
Front Camera	7MP, f/2.2	8MP, f/1.7
Low-Light Performance	Good, but noisy	Excellent, minimal noise
Video Recording	4K at 60fps	4K at 30fps
Portrait Mode	Yes (software-based)	No native mode (third-party apps)

The lack of native Portrait Mode on the S8 was a minor disappointment, though third-party apps and later software updates mitigated this. Video quality, however, favored the iPhone 8 with smoother stabilization and higher frame rate options.

User Experience: Ecosystem Lock-In vs. Flexibility

This was the most challenging aspect of the switch: leaving Apple’s ecosystem. iMessage, FaceTime, AirDrop, and iCloud integration made communication seamless across devices. Moving to Android meant SMS instead of blue bubbles, Google Duo replacing FaceTime, and manually syncing files via Google Drive or Samsung Smart Switch.

Samsung’s software layer, One UI (then Samsung Experience), added useful features like split-screen multitasking, Always-On Display, and customizable app icons. The ability to sideload apps and modify system behavior was liberating. But notifications were less consistent, and some iOS-exclusive apps had weaker Android counterparts.

After six months, I rebuilt my workflow around Gmail, Google Calendar, and Microsoft Office. Apple Music was replaced by Spotify, and Notes moved to Google Keep. The transition wasn’t flawless, but it was manageable—with planning.

Tip: Use Samsung Smart Switch to transfer contacts, messages, and photos. It reduces setup time significantly.

Mini Case Study: Replacing My Daily Driver

Jamie, a freelance designer based in Portland, switched from iPhone 8 to Galaxy S8 for work purposes. She needed a larger screen for editing mockups and preferred Android’s file management for accessing client assets directly. Initially frustrated by the lack of iMessage and inconsistent app syncing, she spent two weeks migrating data and adjusting settings. Within a month, she reported a 30% increase in productivity due to split-screen workflows and DeX mode, which turned her S8 into a desktop-like interface when connected to a monitor. “It wasn’t about the hardware,” she said. “It was about unlocking new ways to work.”

Step-by-Step: How to Successfully Switch from iPhone to Galaxy S8

Migrating isn’t just about moving data—it’s adapting habits. Here’s how I did it effectively:

1. Backup your iPhone: Use iCloud or iTunes to ensure all photos, messages, and settings are saved.
2. Download Samsung Smart Switch: Install it on your iPhone and Galaxy S8. It transfers contacts, messages, photos, calendar events, and even WhatsApp chats.
3. Set up Google Account: Sign in early to sync email, Drive, and Play Store preferences.
4. Install key replacements: Download Signal, Spotify, Google Photos, and any non-iOS-exclusive tools.
5. Customize your home screen: Use icon packs and folders to mimic iOS layout if desired.
6. Disable iMessage remotely: Visit apple.com/settings to deregister your number and avoid missed texts.
7. Test messaging apps: Ensure SMS and RCS work properly before fully disconnecting from iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my iPhone accessories with the Galaxy S8?

Most wired headphones and chargers work via USB-C adapter or Lightning-to-USB cables, but wireless charging requires a Qi-compatible pad. AirPods function as Bluetooth earbuds but lose seamless pairing and Siri integration.

Is the Galaxy S8 still supported in 2024?

No. The S8 received four years of security updates and three OS upgrades (up to Android 9). As of 2024, it no longer receives official patches, making it less secure for sensitive tasks.

Was battery life better on the S8 compared to the iPhone 8?

Yes. The S8’s 3000mAh battery typically lasted a full day with moderate use, while the iPhone 8’s 1821mAh cell often required midday charging. Fast charging helped, but capacity was the limiting factor on Apple’s side.

Final Verdict: Was the Switch Worth It?

For me, the answer is yes—on balance. The Galaxy S8 delivered a more immersive display, better low-light photography, and greater customization than the iPhone 8. The freedom to control every aspect of the interface, expand storage, and leverage multitasking tools improved my daily efficiency.

But trade-offs exist. iOS remains more polished, secure, and consistently updated. iMessage lock-in is real, and re-establishing digital trust across platforms takes effort. If you value ecosystem cohesion and long-term software support, staying with iPhone makes sense. If you crave innovation, screen quality, and hands-on control, Android—and specifically the S8 at its prime—offers compelling advantages.

Three years later, both phones have been retired. But the lessons remain: switching platforms isn’t just about specs. It’s about aligning your device with how you live, work, and create.

🚀 Thinking about switching phones? Reflect on what matters most—ecosystem loyalty, design, camera quality, or flexibility. Your ideal device isn’t the most powerful one; it’s the one that disappears into your life. Share your switch story below.